Those of us dedicated to advancing clean energy are well aware of the challenges. Many believe that fostering collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit sectors can significantly enhance our ability to achieve collective goals. Building relationships into trusted partnerships is just one way Native-led Indigenized Energy is growing its collective capacity to unleash the power of renewable energy.
Now, more than ever, Indigenized Energy is harnessing these partnerships to amplify impact for Tribal communities. Two of the private sector partners that are helping in this work include Freedom Forever and Jinko Solar, Inc. Both are supporting a solar project on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana that serves as a national model for solar conversion on Tribal lands.
In June, Jinko Solar, one of the world's largest producers of solar panels and modules, and Indigenized Energy will announce an in-kind donation to the White River Community Solar Project exceeding 2,000 solar modules, totaling just over 800 kW. An essential component in the transition of Tribal facilities and residential areas to solar energy, these donated modules will enable the nonprofit and Tribe to maximize their resources, facilitating further investments in Northern Cheyenne community development.
Funded by the US Department of Energy's Office of Indian Energy Programs, the White River Community Solar Project has been cited as an example of a successful pilot program by the Environmental Protection Agency. The $4 million initiative encompasses a residential solar program, overseen by the Tribe, alongside several pivotal projects aimed at harnessing solar energy across diverse tribal facilities including a school, a Head Start facility, and a water pump.
In a significant milestone, Freedom Forever successfully concluded Phase I of the residential solar program for the White River Community Solar Project in late 2023. The homes of 15 Northern Cheyenne Tribal elders were transformed with clean, affordable, and dependable solar energy, just in time for the 2023 holiday season.
The private-nonprofit partnership formed between Freedom Forever, a national leader in residential solar, and Indigenized Energy enables the two organizations to leverage expertise and resources. The alliance provides residential solar solutions while addressing critical challenges, including limited contractor availability and a shortage of local skilled workers. Notably, in late 2023, Freedom Forever took a significant step by incorporating tribal members into its workforce.
Brian Eglsaer, Chief Operations Officer for Freedom Forever, shared, "Our staff and crew leaders have been thrilled to experience the Cheyenne community and work side-by-side with members of the Tribe. Additionally, we have opened an office in Montana now to continue to serve the community and keep building a local workforce."
The concerted effort between Tribes, private corporations, and Indigenized Energy provides access to renewable energy resources for outlying and remote Tribal communities.
Daniel East, Vice President of Field Operations said, “We’re working in rural places where there is no solar industry. Through our connections, Tribes are now working with some of the biggest solar companies on the planet.”
East adds, “Normally, giant companies come to Indian Country and don't know how to connect with communities. Indigenized Energy provides cultural orientation so that these companies can do their work in a respectful way. We want the best for these Tribes.”
By discerning the unique values, needs, and contributions of each partner and strategizing for the long-term, cross-sector collaborations lay the groundwork for sustained success and enable all partners to thrive.
“We enjoy our working relationship with Cody Two Bears and his team at Indigenized Energy, who are doing a great job helping tribes pursue energy sovereignty,” said Nigel Cockroft, General Manager of JinkoSolar (U.S.). “This contribution is just the beginning as we support Tribal communities and help Tribes become leaders in renewable energy development.”